Magnetic engagement mechanism for a recreational and/or transportation apparatus

ABSTRACT

Exemplary embodiments are directed to a pedal for a bicycle that includes a body, a spindle rotatably secured to the body and for connection with the bicycle, a first magnetic platter non-rotatably secured within the body, and a second magnetic platter rotatably secured within the body and overlaying the first magnetic platter. The first and second magnetic platters each include two magnetic blocks that are separated and magnetically charged by a respective permanent magnet plate positioned therebetween. The second magnetic platter includes a keyed protrusion configured to be engaged by a ferrous metal cleat, which can rotate the second magnetic platter between a first position where the pedal is in a magnetically inactive state and a second position where the pedal is in a magnetically active state magnetically securing the cleat to the second magnetic platter.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation of, and claims priority to U.S.patent application Ser. No. 16/742,110, filed Jan. 14, 2020, and issuedas U.S. Pat. No. 10,906,606 on Feb. 2, 2021, which is a Continuation of,and claims priority to, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/208,158,filed Dec. 3, 2018, and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,532,791 on Jan. 14,2020, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationNo. 62/594,830, filed on Dec. 5, 2017. The entire content anddisclosures of all of the above are expressly incorporated herein byreference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to magnetic engagement mechanisms forrecreational and/or transportation apparatuses, such as bicycles, skis,snowboards, etc., so as to engage the covering (e.g., a shoe) of anappendage (e.g., the foot) to the apparatus.

BACKGROUND

Users of recreational and/or transportation apparatuses, e.g., bicycles(indoor and outdoor), skis, and snowboards, are often secured to theirrespective apparatus while also being able to reliably disengagetherefrom. In the case of a bicycle, “clipless” pedals are utilizedwhich include clip-in pedals secured to the bicycle and a cleat attachedto the bottom of each of the cyclist's shoes. “Clipless” pedals allowfor the bicyclist to removably secure their shoes (and feet) to thebicycle pedals. The clip-in pedals can be spring loaded and permit theuser to insert the cleat, depress the spring-loaded portion of thepedal, and secure the cleat to top plates of the pedal. By being clippedin, the cyclist will have increased power transfer through the pedalstroke, increased efficiency, and better control, among other benefits.However, when a cyclist wishes to stop they must unclip their shoe fromthe pedal instead of simply taking their feet off of the pedals.Additionally, if the cyclist is in an accident they will want to be ableto unclip from the pedals quickly and effortlessly. To unclip andrelease the cleat from the pedal, the cyclist will generally twist theirheel outwards until the cleat is released from the pedal. Thisunclipping process can at times be difficult and the cleat can becomestuck in the pedal. In the case of an accident, the failure of a cleatto disengage a pedal can increase the risk or severity of an injury.Accordingly, what is needed is a “clipless” pedal that is secure but canalso be easily and reliably disengaged.

Modular permanent magnet workpiece chucks are known in the art. Forexample, U.S. Pat. No. 7,161,451, which is hereby incorporated byreference in its entirety, discloses a permanent magnet chuck forholding or lifting workpieces. This type of chuck can include twomagnetic layers that are stacked over one another and encased in ahousing. Each of the magnetic layers are made up of a series of softmagnet blocks that are positioned about a center and divided bypermanent magnet plates. That is, each magnetic layer comprisesalternating soft magnetic blocks and permanent magnet plates. Themagnetic layers can be, for example, square or circular shaped. Ifsquare shaped, the magnetic layers can contain an even number of softmagnet blocks, for example, two or four, that are shaped as cubes orrectangular prisms. If circular shaped, the magnetic layers can containan even number of soft magnet blocks, for example, two, four, six, etc.,that are shaped as circular sector prisms, e.g., extruded pie slices.The permanent magnet plates have two major faces that are positionedadjacent the interposed soft magnetic blocks. The first major face has anorth magnetic polarity and the second major face, which is opposite thefirst major face, has a south magnetic polarity. The permanent magnetplates are positioned between adjacent soft magnetic blocks extendinggenerally from the center of the magnetic layer to the perimeter, andsuch that each soft magnetic block is adjacent either only northmagnetic faces or south magnetic faces of the two bordering permanentmagnet plates, but not a north magnetic face and a south magnetic face.The soft magnetic blocks that are adjacent north magnetic faces willhave a north polarity while the soft magnetic blocks that are adjacentsouth magnetic faces will have a south polarity. As a result, the softmagnetic blocks alternate between north polarity blocks and southpolarity blocks, e.g., a first block has a north polarity, a secondsubsequent block has a south polarity, a third subsequent block has anorth polarity, and soon. One of the magnetic layers can be connected toan external lug-nut that allows for the magnetic layer to be rotated bya tool, e.g., a wrench.

Each of the magnetic layers are configured as described above, and areplaced on top of one another. The first and second magnetic layers canbe overlapped in two different positions, an unaligned position and analigned position. In the unaligned position, the polarity of the softmagnetic blocks of the first and second magnetic layers that overlapeach other are of opposite polarity, e.g., the north polarity softmagnetic blocks of the first layer overlay the south polarity softmagnetic blocks of the second layer, and the south polarity softmagnetic blocks of the first layer overlay the north polarity softmagnetic blocks of the second layer. In this unaligned position, themagnetic flux lines are close-circuited, which prevents the magneticforce from extending beyond the first and second magnetic layers. Assuch, this unaligned position is known as a magnetically inactive statesince the permanent magnet chuck will not exert a significant magneticforce on an external workpiece made of a ferromagnetic material. In thealigned position, the polarity of the soft magnetic blocks of the firstand second magnetic layers that overlap each other are of the samepolarity, e.g., the north polarity soft magnetic blocks of the firstlayer overlay the north polarity soft magnetic blocks of the secondlayer, and the south polarity soft magnetic blocks of the first layeroverlay the south polarity soft magnetic blocks of the second layer. Inthis aligned position, the magnetic circuits are incomplete and open,allowing magnetic force to extend beyond the first and second magneticlayers. As such, this aligned position is known as a magnetically activestate since the permanent magnet chuck will exert a magnetic force on anexternal workpiece made of a ferromagnetic material and thus secure theexternal workpiece to the permanent magnet chuck.

The permanent magnet chuck can be switched between the active andinactive positions by rotating one of the magnetic layers with respectto the other magnetic layer by using a tool to rotate the externallug-nut so that the polarity of the soft magnetic blocks is eitheraligned or unaligned. The degree of rotation to switch between positionsis determined by the number of soft magnetic blocks. If four softmagnetic blocks are used then the first magnetic layer will have to berotated 90° (e.g., one quarter of a full circle) with respect to thesecond magnetic layer to switch between active and inactive positions.If six soft magnetic blocks are used then the first magnetic layer willhave to be rotated 60° (e.g., one sixth of a full circle) with respectto the second magnetic layer to switch between active and inactivepositions.

The permanent magnet chuck as described above and in U.S. Pat. No.7,161,451 is known to be implemented with a work-holding device used inmachining operations, e.g., for grinders, lathes, and mills, and formaterial handling purposes. For work-holding applications, the permanentmagnet chuck would hold a material that is being worked on, e.g., apiece of metal that is being lathed. However, the permanent magnet chuckof the prior art is not directed to magnetically securing the device ortool that is used to activate the permanent magnet chuck.

The present disclosure addresses the foregoing drawback and others byproviding magnetic engagement mechanisms for recreational and/ortransportation apparatuses, and/or by providing same that can beactivated and de-activated by a user's foot or other appendage andreleasably secures the user's foot or other appendage to the apparatusso that it can be quickly and reliably connected and disconnectedthrough rotational activation of two magnetic platters.

SUMMARY

Example embodiments of the present disclosure relate to magneticengagement mechanisms for recreational and/or transportationapparatuses, such as bicycles, skis, snowboards, etc.

More particularly, a magnetic engagement mechanism for transportationapparatuses is provided according to embodiments of the presentdisclosure. In some example embodiments, the magnetic engagementmechanism includes two magnetic platters that can be rotated withrespect to one another between a first magnetically inactive positionand a second magnetically active position for engaging a ferrous cleat.

In some example embodiments, a pedal for a bicycle includes a body, aspindle assembly rotatably secured to the body and configured to beconnected to the bicycle, a first magnetic platter positioned andnon-rotatably secured within the body, and a second magnetic platterpositioned and rotatably secured within the body overlaying the firstmagnetic platter. The first magnetic platter includes at least twoblocks and at least one permanent magnet plate having a magnetic northface and a magnetic south face. The at least one permanent magnet plateof the first magnetic platter is positioned between the at least twoblocks with a first of the at least two blocks adjacent the magneticnorth face and a second of the at least two blocks adjacent the magneticsouth face, such that the at least one permanent magnet plate magnetizesthe first of the at least two blocks with a magnetic north polarity andthe second of the at least two blocks with a magnetic south polarity.The second magnetic platter includes at least two blocks, at least onepermanent magnet plate having a magnetic north face and a magnetic southface, and a keyed protrusion configured to be engaged by a ferrous metalcleat. The at least one permanent magnet plate of the second magneticplatter is positioned between the at least two blocks with a first ofthe at least two blocks adjacent the magnetic north face and a second ofthe at least two blocks adjacent the magnetic south face, such that theat least one permanent magnet plate magnetizes the first of the at leasttwo blocks with a magnetic north polarity and the second of the at leasttwo sections with a magnetic south polarity. The second magnetic platteris rotatable by the ferrous metal cleat between a first position wherethe first of the at least two blocks of the second magnetic platteroverlays the second of the at least two blocks of the first magneticplatter and the second of the at least two blocks of the second magneticplatter overlays the first of the at least two blocks of the firstmagnetic platter, and a second position where the first of the at leasttwo blocks of the second magnetic platter overlays the first of the atleast two blocks of the first magnetic platter and the second of the atleast two blocks of the second magnetic platter overlays the second ofthe at least two blocks of the first magnetic platter. When the secondmagnetic platter is in the first position the pedal is in a magneticallyinactive state and the cleat is not magnetically secured to the secondmagnetic platter. When the second magnetic platter is in the secondposition the pedal is in a magnetically active state and the cleat ismagnetically secured to the second magnetic platter.

In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure a pedal for abicycle is provided that includes a body, a spindle assembly rotatablysecured to the body and configured to be connected to the bicycle, afirst magnetic platter positioned and non-rotatably secured within thebody, and a second magnetic platter positioned and rotatably securedwithin the body overlaying the first magnetic platter. The firstmagnetic platter includes an even number of permanent magnet plates thateach have a magnetic north face and a magnetic south face, and aplurality of blocks. At least one block of the plurality of blocks ispositioned between each adjacent pair of permanent magnet plates, suchthat the permanent magnet plates magnetize each of the plurality ofblocks with either a magnetic north polarity or a magnetic southpolarity with adjacent blocks having opposite magnetic polarities. Thesecond magnetic platter includes an even number of permanent magnetplates each having a magnetic north face and a magnetic south face, aplurality of blocks, and a keyed protrusion configured to be engaged bya ferrous metal cleat. At least one block of the plurality of blocks ispositioned between each adjacent pair of permanent magnet plates, suchthat the permanent magnet plates magnetizes each of the plurality ofblocks with either a magnetic north polarity or a magnetic southpolarity with adjacent blocks having opposite magnetic polarities. Thesecond magnetic platter is rotatable by the ferrous metal cleat betweena first position where the magnetic south polarity blocks of the secondmagnetic platter overlay the magnetic north polarity blocks of the firstmagnetic platter and the magnetic north polarity blocks of the secondmagnetic platter overlay the magnetic south polarity blocks of the firstmagnetic platter, and a second position where the magnetic southpolarity blocks of the second magnetic platter overlay the magneticsouth polarity blocks of the first magnetic platter and the magneticnorth polarity blocks of the second magnetic platter overlay themagnetic north polarity blocks of the first magnetic platter. When thesecond magnetic platter is in the first position the pedal is in amagnetically inactive state and the cleat is not magnetically secured tothe second magnetic platter, and when the second magnetic platter is inthe second position the pedal is in a magnetically active state and thecleat is magnetically secured to the second magnetic platter.

In accordance with additional embodiments of the present disclosure amagnetic engagement mechanism for a recreational and/or transportationapparatus is provided that includes a body, a first magnetic platterpositioned and non-rotatably secured within the body, and a secondmagnetic platter positioned and rotatably secured within the bodyoverlaying the first magnetic platter. The first magnetic platterincludes an even number of permanent magnet plates that each have amagnetic north face and a magnetic south face, and a plurality ofblocks. At least one block of the plurality of blocks is positionedbetween each adjacent pair of permanent magnet plates, such that thepermanent magnet plates magnetize each of the plurality of blocks witheither a magnetic north polarity or a magnetic south polarity withadjacent blocks having opposite magnetic polarities. The second magneticplatter includes an even number of permanent magnet plates each having amagnetic north face and a magnetic south face, a plurality of blocks,and a keyed protrusion configured to be engaged by a ferrous metalcleat. At least one block of the plurality of blocks is positionedbetween each adjacent pair of permanent magnet plates, such that thepermanent magnet plates magnetizes each of the plurality of blocks witheither a magnetic north polarity or a magnetic south polarity withadjacent blocks having opposite magnetic polarities. The second magneticplatter is rotatable by the ferrous metal cleat between a first positionwhere the magnetic south polarity blocks of the second magnetic platteroverlay the magnetic north polarity blocks of the first magnetic platterand the magnetic north polarity blocks of the second magnetic platteroverlay the magnetic south polarity blocks of the first magneticplatter, and a second position where the magnetic south polarity blocksof the second magnetic platter overlay the magnetic south polarityblocks of the first magnetic platter and the magnetic north polarityblocks of the second magnetic platter overlay the magnetic northpolarity blocks of the first magnetic platter. When the second magneticplatter is in the first position the magnetic engagement mechanism is ina magnetically inactive state and the cleat is not magnetically securedto the second magnetic platter, and when the second magnetic platter isin the second position the magnetic engagement mechanism is in amagnetically active state and the cleat is magnetically secured to thesecond magnetic platter.

In accordance with additional embodiments of the present disclosure, apedal for a bicycle comprises a body, a spindle assembly rotatablysecured to the body and configured to be connected to said bicycle, afirst magnetic platter positioned and non-rotatably secured within thebody, and a second magnetic platter positioned and rotatably securedwithin the body overlaying the first magnetic platter. The firstmagnetic platter includes a first magnetic block, a second magneticblock, and a first permanent magnet plate positioned between andseparating the first and second magnetic blocks. The first permanentmagnet plate magnetizes the first magnetic block with a magnetic northpolarity and the second magnetic block with a magnetic south polarity.The second magnetic platter includes a third magnetic block, a fourthmagnetic block, a second permanent magnet plate positioned between andseparating the third and fourth magnetic blocks, and a keyed protrusionthat is configured to be engaged by a ferrous metal cleat to rotate thesecond magnetic platter between a first position and a second position.The second permanent magnet plate magnetizes the third magnetic blockwith a magnetic north polarity and the fourth magnetic block with amagnetic south polarity. When the second magnetic platter is in thefirst position, the third magnetic block overlays the second magneticblock and the fourth magnetic block overlays the first magnetic block,thus placing the pedal in a magnetically inactive state. When the secondmagnetic platter is in the second position, the third magnetic blockoverlays the first magnetic block and the fourth magnetic block overlaysthe second magnetic block, thus placing the pedal in a magneticallyactive state whereby the cleat is magnetically secured to the secondmagnetic platter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing features of the invention will be apparent from thefollowing Detailed Description, taken in connection with theaccompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a magnetic engagementmechanism for a transportation apparatus;

FIG. 2 is a bottom view of a cleat of the magnetic engagement mechanismof FIG. 1 :

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the cleat of FIG. 2 secured to a shoe;

FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the cleat of FIG. 2 secured to a shoe;

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of a pedal of the magnetic engagementmechanism of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 6 is a top view of the pedal of FIG. 5 ;

FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the pedal of FIG. 5 ;

FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of a first magnetic platter of thepedal;

FIG. 9 is a bottom perspective view of a second magnetic platter of thepedal;

FIG. 10A is a partial perspective view of the second magnetic platterplaced over the first magnetic platter in a first position;

FIG. 10B is a partial perspective view of the second magnetic platterplaced over the first magnetic platter in a second position;

FIG. 11A is a perspective view of the magnetic engagement mechanism withthe cleat connected with the pedal in a first position;

FIG. 11B is a perspective view of the magnetic engagement mechanism withthe cleat connected with the pedal in a second position;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the pedal connected to a bicycle:

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a binding secured to a pair of skis;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the magneticengagement mechanism of the present disclosure;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the magnetic engagement mechanism ofFIG. 14 including a catch plate of the present disclosure;

FIG. 16 is a side view of the modified pedal of FIG. 14 including amodified cleat; and

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the interior of the modified pedal ofFIG. 14 showing a plurality of ball bearings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure relates to magnetic engagement mechanisms forrecreational and/or transportation apparatuses, as discussed in detailbelow in connection with FIGS. 1-13 .

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a magnetic engagement mechanism 10 for atransportation apparatus, e.g., a bicycle (indoor or outdoor), skis, asnowboard, etc. The magnetic engagement mechanism 10 includes a cleat 12and a pedal 14. FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the cleat 12. The cleat 12includes a body 16 having a top surface 18, a bottom surface 20, and anouter perimeter wall 22. The body 16 can be generally cylindrical inshape. The body 16 additionally includes a keyed recess 24 defined by akeyed perimeter 26. The keyed recess 24 extends into the body 16 fromthe bottom surface 20. The keyed recess 24 is configured to engage aportion of the pedal 14, discussed in greater detail below. The body 16additionally includes two holes 28, 30 that extend through the body 16.The holes 28, 30 can be positioned in the recess 24, as shown in FIG. 2, and extend through the top surface 18, or they can be positionedoutside of the recess 24 and extend from the bottom surface 20 to thetop surface 18. The holes 28, 30 allow for screws 32, 34 (see FIGS. 3and 4 ) to be inserted therethrough to secure the cleat 12 to a shoe 36and prevent rotation relative thereto, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 . Theholes 28, 30 can have a tapered wall so that the screw heads lay flush.The cleat 12 is shown with two holes 28, 30, however, it should beunderstood that the cleat 12 can include any number of holes desiredthat will allow the cleat 12 to be secured to the shoe 36. Use is alsocontemplated of other suitable means for securing the cleat to a shoe,boot, or other appendage covering.

FIGS. 3 and 4 are perspective and bottom views, respectively, showingthe cleat 12 secured to the shoe 36. The shoe 36 can be a standardcycling shoe that includes an upper 38 and a sole 40. The sole 40 can bemade of a rigid material, e.g., a hard plastic, and can include firstand second tracks 42, 44. The first and second tracks 42, 44 allow thescrews 32, 34 to be secured thereto at various positions along thelength thereof, thus allowing the cleat 12 to be secured to the shoe 36at different positions as desired. For example, the tracks 42, 44 caninclude a trapped nut (not shown) that can slide within the tracks 42,44 and which can be engaged by the screws 32, 34.

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the pedal 14. The pedal 14 includes a body46, a first magnetic platter 48, an annular platter bushing 50, a secondmagnetic platter 52, an annular platter bushing 54, a top disc 56, aplatter retention ring 58, and a spindle assembly 60. The body 46includes a platter holder 62 and a stem 64. The body 46 can be unitaryin nature such that it is formed from a single piece of material toincrease strength and rigidity. FIGS. 6 and 7 are respectively top andbottom views of the pedal 14. As shown in FIG. 7 , the back of the body46 can include texturing 65, e.g., knurling, that allows a user to moresecurely engage the pedal 14 when they are wearing regular shoes or donot desire to magnetically lock their shoes 36 to the pedal 14.

As shown in FIG. 5 , the platter holder 62 includes an annular sidewall66, a bottom wall 68, a top opening 70, and an inner annular shoulder72. The platter holder 62 defines an inner chamber 74 for housing thefirst magnetic platter 48, the annular platter bushing 50, the secondmagnetic platter 52, the annular platter bushing 54, and the top disc56. The annular sidewall 66 includes a plurality of removed sections 76adjacent the top opening 70 that form a plurality of abutments 78. Theremoved sections 76 are configured to receive a portion of the platterretention ring 58 while the abutments 78 are configured to prevent theplatter retention ring 58 from rotating, discussed in greater detailbelow. The annular shoulder 72 includes one or more keys 80 that extendradially inward therefrom and are configured to engage the firstmagnetic platter 48 to prevent the first magnetic platter 48 fromrotating relative to the platter holder 62.

The stem 64 defines an inner chamber 82, a bearing channel 84, and abushing channel 86. The bearing channel 84 is generally smaller indiameter than the bushing channel 86. The stem 64 also includes a coverrecess 88, an access opening 90 adjacent the cover recess 88, and aspindle opening 92, which is generally at a front face 94 of the stem 64and adjacent the bushing channel 86 that is adjacent the bearing channel84. The access opening 90 and the spindle opening 92 provide access tothe inner chamber 82 and allow components of the spindle assembly 60 tobe inserted into and positioned within the inner chamber 82, bearingchannel 84, and bushing channel 86 of the stem 64.

The spindle assembly 60 includes a spindle 96, a bushing 98, a bearing100, a washer 102, and a nut 104. The spindle 96 comprises a series ofconcentric components including a threaded outer extension 106, a head108, a stop/spacer 110, a bushing mount 112, a bearing mount 114, and athreaded inner extension 116. The threaded outer extension 106 extendsoutwardly from the head 108 and is therefore positioned at the outer endof the spindle 96. The threaded outer extension 106 includes threading,e.g., 9/16″×20 tpi, configured to removably engage a threaded hole of abicycle crankset crank arm. The head 108 is adjacent the threaded outerextension 106 and includes flattened sides 118 that can be engaged by awrench or other tool to rotate the spindle 96, which assists in securingand tightening the threaded outer extension 106 to the threaded hole ofa bicycle crankset crank arm. The stop/spacer 110 is a cylindricalcomponent that extends from the head 108 opposite the threaded outerextension 106. The stop/spacer 110 is configured to engage the frontface 94 of the stem 64 and prevent the spindle 96 from further insertionwhen the spindle 96 is engaged with the stem 64. Additionally, thestop/spacer 110 spaces the head 108 away from the stem 64 so thatsufficient space is provided for the head 108 to be easily engaged by atool. The bushing mount 112 is cylindrical in shape and extends from thestop/spacer 110 on the opposite side of the head 108. The bushing mount112 has a smaller diameter than the stop/spacer 110 and is configured tobe inserted into and surrounded by the bushing 98. That is, the bushingmount 112 is inserted into the bushing 98 and the bushing 98 is securedto the bushing mount 112, e.g., through a friction fit. The bearingmount 114 is also cylindrical in shape and extends from the bushingmount 112 on the opposite side of the stop/spacer 110. The bearing mount114 has a smaller diameter than the bushing mount 112 and is configuredto be inserted into and surround by the bearing 100. That is, thebearing mount 114 is inserted into the bearing 100 and the bearing 100is secured to the bearing mount 114, e.g., through a friction fit. Thethreaded inner extension 116 is also cylindrical in shape and extendsfrom the bearing mount 114 on the opposite side of the bushing mount112. The threaded inner extension 116 includes threads that areconfigured to be engaged by the nut 104 to secure the spindle 96 to thestem 64.

The bushing 98 is configured to be inserted into and secured within thebushing channel 86 of the stem 64. The bushing 98 can be made of brassand reduces friction. As discussed, the bushing 98 is configured toreceive and engage the bushing mount 112 of the spindle 96. The bearing100 is configured to be inserted into and secured within the bearingchannel 84 of the stem 64. The bearing 100 can be a needle rollerbearing that allows a component on the interior thereof, e.g., thebearing mount 114 and therefore the spindle 96, to rotate while an outerring of the bearing 100 is rotationally constrained. As discussed, thebearing 100 is configured to receive and engage the bearing mount 114 ofthe spindle 96 such that the spindle 96 can rotate within the bearing100. When the bearing 100 is secured within the bearing channel 84 andthe bushing 98 is secured within the bushing channel 86, the spindle 96can be inserted through the spindle opening 92, the bushing 98, and thebearing 100 until the stop/spacer 110 contacts the front face 94 of thestem 64. When the spindle 96 is fully inserted, the bushing mount 112will be surrounded by the bushing 98, the bearing mount 114 will besurrounded by the bearing 100, and the threaded inner extension 116 willbe within the inner chamber 82 of the stem 64. The washer 102 and thenut 104 can then be inserted into the inner chamber 82 through theaccess opening 90 and placed over the threaded inner extension 116. Thenut 104 can then be engaged with the threaded inner extension 116. Thenut 104 can then be engaged by a tool, e.g., a wrench, and the head 108can be engaged by a separate tool to tighten the nut 104 onto thethreaded inner extension 116 of the spindle 96 to secure the spindle 96to the stem 64. The washer 102 can be formed of polytetrafluoroethylene(PTFE) and used to reduce friction.

A cover 120 can be provided that can be positioned within the coverrecess 88 and conceal the access opening 90. The cover 120 can beremovably secured within the cover recess 88 such that it is flush withthe outer walls of the stem 64, allowing a user to access the innerchamber 82 of the stem 64 when desired. For example, a user can removethe cover 120 to remove or replace the spindle 96, the bushing 98, orthe bearing 100, or to grease the bearing 100.

Turning to FIG. 8 , a top perspective view of the first magnetic platter48 is provided. The first magnetic platter 48 is generally circular inshape and includes a soft magnetic body 122 formed of a soft magneticmaterial, e.g., low carbon steel, and a plurality of permanent magnetplates 124. The soft magnetic body 122 includes a central hole 126, oneor more peripheral notches 128, a plurality of radial slots 130, and anannular recess 132 configured to receive the annular platter bushing 50.The peripheral notches 128 extend radially inward from the outerperimeter of the soft magnetic body 122 and are configured to engage thekeys 80 of the annular shoulder 72 of the platter holder 62. Morespecifically, the first magnetic platter 48 is sized and configured tobe placed within the platter holder 62 and surrounded by the annularshoulder 72. When the first magnetic platter 48 is placed within theplatter holder 62, the keys 80 engage the peripheral notches 128 andprevent the first magnetic platter 48 from rotating within the platterholder 62.

The plurality of radial slots 130 extend generally from the central hole126 to the outer perimeter of the soft magnetic body 122 and are spacedfrom adjacent radial slots 130 by an angle α. Each of the radial slots130 is spaced the same angle from adjacent radial slots 130, angle α,thus dividing the soft magnetic body 122 into an even number of equalsized soft-magnet blocks 134 a-j. The embodiment shown in FIG. 8 has ten(10) radial slots 130, and ten (10) equally sized soft-magnet blocks 134a-j, which can be described as circular sector prisms in shape, areprovided angularly spaced from each other by 36°. However, it should beunderstood that any even number of radial slots 130 can be utilized andare contemplated by this disclosure. For example, twelve (12) radialslots can be provided, which would result in twelve (12) equally sizedblocks angularly spaced from each other by 30°, or, alternatively,fourteen (14) radial slots can be provided, which would result infourteen (14) equally sized blocks angularly spaced from each other byapproximately 25.71°. Sixteen, eighteen, twenty, etc., radial slots andequally sized blocks are also contemplated herein. The presentdisclosure further contemplates a preferred angle α being in the rangeof 20°-30°. In a preferred embodiment, the first magnetic platter 48includes eighteen (18) radial slots 130 that are angularly spaced fromeach other by an angle α of 20°.

Each of the radial slots 130 is sized and configured to receive apermanent magnet plate 124. In a preferred embodiment where there areeighteen (18) radial slot 120, there will be eighteen (18) matchingpermanent magnet plates 124. Each permanent magnet plate 124 includes afirst major face 136 and a second major face 138 opposite the firstmajor face. The first major face 136 has either a north magneticpolarity or a south magnetic polarity while the second major face 138has the opposite magnetic polarity, e.g., a south magnetic polarity ifthe first major face 136 has a north magnetic polarity or a northmagnetic polarity if the first major face 136 has a south magneticpolarity. The permanent magnet plates 124 are positioned within theplurality of radial slots 130 so that major faces of the same magneticpolarity are facing each other and into the same soft-magnet block 134a-j such that each soft-magnet block 134 a-j is adjacent either onlynorth magnetic faces or only south magnetic faces of the borderingpermanent magnet plates 124, but not a north magnetic face and a southmagnetic face. The north and south magnetic faces of each permanentmagnet plate 124 are labelled as “N” and “S” in FIG. 8 for illustrativepurposes. When in such a configuration, the soft-magnet blocks 134 b,134 d, 134 f, 134 h, 134 j that are adjacent north magnetic faces willhave a north polarity while the soft-magnet blocks 134 a, 134 c, 134 e,134 g, 134 i that are adjacent south magnetic faces will have a southpolarity. As a result, the soft-magnet blocks 134 a-j alternate betweennorth polarity blocks and south polarity blocks.

FIG. 9 is a bottom perspective view of the second magnetic platter 52,while FIG. 5 illustrates the second magnetic platter 52 from a topperspective view. The second magnetic platter 52 is generally circularin shape and includes a soft magnetic body 140 and a plurality of thepermanent magnet plates 124. The soft magnetic body 140 has a topsurface 142 and a bottom surface 144, and is formed of the same softmagnetic material, e.g., low carbon steel, as the soft magnetic body 122of the first magnetic platter 48. The second magnetic platter 52 issimilar in construction to the first magnetic platter 48, but with someadditional components. The second magnetic platter 52 includes a centraldowel pin 146, a keyed protrusion 148, and a plurality of blocks 150.The central dowel pin 146 extends from the center of the bottom surface144 and is configured to be inserted into the central hole 126 of thefirst magnetic platter 48. The central dowel pin 146 can be constructedof stainless steel, for example. The keyed protrusion 148 extends fromthe center of the top surface 142 of the second magnetic platter 52. Thekeyed protrusion 148 has a matching shape to that of the keyed recess 24of the cleat 12 so that it can be inserted into and received by thekeyed recess 24. This keyed or mating configuration allows the cleat 12to rotate the second magnetic platter 52 relative to the first magneticplatter 48 when the keyed protrusion 148 is received by the keyed recess24. The keyed protrusion 148 is shown with a square configuration,though it is contemplated by the present disclosure that the keyedprotrusion 148 and keyed recess 24 could have any matching geometry thatallows the cleat 12 to rotate the second magnetic platter 52 when thekeyed protrusion 148 is received by the keyed recess 24. For example,the keyed protrusion 148 and the keyed recess 24 could be triangular,pentagonal, star-shaped, etc. The plurality of blocks 150 extend fromthe top surface 142 of the second magnetic platter 52 and areequidistantly spaced generally along the perimeter of the secondmagnetic platter 52.

As referenced above, the second magnetic platter 52 is similar inconstruction to the first magnetic platter 48. Particularly, the secondmagnetic platter 52 includes a plurality of radial slots 152 that extendgenerally from the central dowel pin 146 to the outer perimeter of thesoft magnetic body 140 and are spaced from adjacent radial slots 152 byangle α. Each of the radial slots 152 is spaced the same angle fromadjacent radial slots 152, angle α, thus dividing the soft magnetic body1140 into an even number of equal sized soft-magnet blocks 154 a-j. Thenumber of radial slots 152 and soft-magnet blocks 154 a-j of the secondmagnetic platter 52 should match the number of radial slots 130 andsoft-magnet blocks 134 a-j of the first magnetic platter 48.

Each of the radial slots 152 is sized and configured to receive one ofthe permanent magnet plates 124, as described above. As with the firstmagnetic platter 48, the permanent magnet plates 124 are positionedwithin the plurality of radial slots 152 of the second magnetic platter52 so that major faces of the same magnetic polarity are facing eachother and into the same soft-magnet block 154 a-j such that eachsoft-magnet block 154 a-j is adjacent either only north magnetic facesor only south magnetic faces of the bordering permanent magnet plates124, but not a north magnetic face and a south magnetic face. The northand south magnetic faces of each permanent magnet plate 124 are labelledas “N” and “S” in FIG. 8 for illustrative purposes. When in such aconfiguration, the soft-magnet blocks 154 b, 154 d, 154 f, 154 h, 154 jthat are adjacent north magnetic faces will have a north polarity whilethe soft-magnet blocks 154 a, 154 c, 154 e, 154 g, 154 i that areadjacent south magnetic faces will have a south polarity. As a result,the soft-magnet blocks 154 a-j alternate between north polarity blocksand south polarity blocks.

The second magnetic platter 52 also has an annular recess 156 extendinginto the bottom surface 144 and configured to receive the annularplatter bushing 50. Particularly, when the first magnetic platter 48 ispositioned and secured within the platter holder 62, the bushing 50 canthen be placed in the annular recess 132 and the second magnetic platter52 can then be placed over the first magnetic platter 48 with thecentral dowel pin 146 being inserted into the central hole 126 of thefirst magnetic platter 48. The bushing 50 will then be positionedbetween the first and second magnetic platters 48, 52 and within theannular recesses 132, 156. Thus, the bushing 50 spaces the first andsecond magnetic platters 48, 52 apart with second magnetic platter 52riding on the bushing 50. The bushing 50 reduces friction when thesecond magnetic platter 52 is rotated. The bushing 50 can be made ofbrass, PTFE, or any other desired material that reduces friction.

Referring back to FIG. 5 , the annular platter bushing 54 is cylindricalin shape, and sized and configured to be positioned about thecircumference of the second magnetic platter 52 and within the platterholder 62. When the annular platter bushing 54 is positioned within theplatter holder 62 it is supported by the inner annular shoulder 72. Theannular platter bushing 54 centers the second magnetic platter 52 andreduces friction when the second magnetic platter 52 rotates. Theannular platter bushing 54 be made of PTFE, brass, or any other desiredmaterial that reduces friction.

The top disc 56 includes an annular body 158 having a plurality ofcut-outs 160. The top disc 56 is configured to be placed over the secondmagnetic platter 52 with the plurality of blocks 150 positioned withinthe cut-outs 160. As such, the cut-outs 160 are orientated and sized tomatch the plurality of blocks 150 that extend from the second magneticplatter 52 so that when the top disc 56 is placed over the secondmagnetic platter 52 each of the plurality of blocks 150 is positionedwithin one of the cut-outs 160 and the top disc 56 lies on the topsurface 142 of the second magnetic platter 52. The top disc 56 reducesfriction between the second magnetic platter 52 and the platterretention ring 58 when the second magnetic platter 52 is rotated. Thetop disc 56 can be made of PTFE, brass, or any other desired materialthat reduces friction.

The platter retention ring 58 includes a ring-shaped body 162 having aplurality of stops 164 that extend radially inward and a plurality oflocking tabs 166 that extend radially outward. The top edge of theplurality of stops 164 can also be chamfered, which assists withcentering and insertion of the cleat 12 during use. The locking tabs 166are sized and spaced about the circumference of the ring-shaped body 162to match the removed sections 76 of the platter holder 62. As such, theplatter retention ring 58 is configured to be placed over the top disc56 and the second magnetic platter 52 with the locking tabs 166positioned and secured within the removed sections 76 of the platterholder 62. When the locking tabs 166 are positioned within the removedsections 76 of the platter holder 62, the platter retention ring 58 isprevented from rotating and secured in placed. The platter retentionring 58 can also be permanently secured to the platter holder 62 througha fastening means such as an adhesive or through welding. The platterretention ring 58, when secured to the platter holder 62, locks thesecond magnetic platter 52, the bushing 50, and the first magneticplatter 48 within the platter holder 62 so that they are axiallyconstrained, but permits the second magnetic platter 52 to rotate withrespect to the first magnetic platter 48 when engaged by the cleat 12.

Each of the plurality of stops 164 of the platter retention ring 58 areseparated from an adjacent stop 164 by a gap 168. The gaps 168 areconfigured to receive the blocks 150 of the second magnetic platter 52so that when the second magnetic platter 52 is rotated the blocks 150ride within the gaps 168. Continued rotation of the second magneticplatter 52 results in the blocks 150 contacting the stops 164, whichprevent the second magnetic platter 52 from further rotation.Accordingly, the stops 164 set the angular rotation of the secondmagnetic platter 52, and are therefore sized and spaced so that thesecond magnetic platter 52 can only be rotated by angle α, e.g., theangle that the permanent magnet plates 124 are from adjacent permanentmagnet plates 124 as discussed in connection with FIGS. 8 and 9 . Anyattempt to rotate the second magnetic platter 52 further is prevented bythe stops 164 engaging the blocks 150. Therefore, the stops 164 can bepositioned to only allow 36° of rotation (e.g., for 10 plates), 30° ofrotation (e.g., for 12 plates), 20° of rotation (e.g., for 18 plates),etc., depending on the number of permanent magnet plates 124. Thisconfiguration allows the second magnetic platter 52 to be rotatedbetween a first position (e.g., an unaligned magnetically inactiveposition) and a second position (e.g., an aligned magnetically activeposition). In a preferred embodiment, the first magnetic platter 48 andthe second magnetic platter 52 each include eighteen (18) permanentmagnet plates 124, which require a preferred rotational angle of 20° foractivation and deactivation.

FIG. 10A is a perspective view showing the first and second magneticplatters 48, 52 in a first position, and FIG. 10B is perspective viewshowing the first and second magnetic platters 48, 52 in a secondposition. It is noted that the second magnetic platter 52 is shown withsome elements removed for convenience of illustration only in order toshow the soft-magnet blocks 154 a-j thereof overlapped with thesoft-magnet blocks 134 a-j of the first magnetic platter 48.

As shown in FIG. 10A, when the second magnetic platter 52 is in thefirst position, it overlaps the first magnetic platter 48 such that thenorth polarity soft-magnet blocks 154 b, 154 d, 154 f, 154 h, 154 j ofthe second magnetic platter 52 overlay the south polarity soft-magnetblocks 134 a, 134 c, 134 e, 134 g, 134 i of the first magnetic platter48, and the south polarity soft-magnet blocks 154 a, 154 c, 154 e, 154g, 154 i of the second magnetic platter 52 overlay the north polaritysoft-magnet blocks 134 b, 134 d, 134 f, 134 h, 134 j of the firstmagnetic platter 48. More succinctly, the soft-magnet blocks overlayingeach other are of opposite polarity. This is an “unaligned” positionwhere the pedal 14 is in a magnetically inactive state, and the pedal 14will not exert a significant external magnetic force. Specifically, byoverlapping soft-magnet blocks of opposite polarity the magnetic fluxlines are close-circuited, which prevents the magnetic force fromextending beyond the first and second magnetic layers.

A user can rotate the second magnetic platter 52, e.g., throughengagement of the cleat 12 with the keyed protrusion 148 of the secondmagnetic platter 52, by angle α to the second position shown in FIG.10B. As shown in FIG. 10B, when the second magnetic platter 52 is in thesecond position, it overlaps the first magnetic platter 48 such that thenorth polarity soft-magnet blocks 154 b, 154 d, 154 f, 154 h, 154 j ofthe second magnetic platter 52 overlay the north polarity soft-magnetblocks 134 b, 134 d, 134 f, 134 h, 134 j of the first magnetic platter48, and the south polarity soft-magnet blocks 154 a, 154 c, 154 e, 154g, 154 i of the second magnetic platter 52 overlay the south polaritysoft-magnet blocks 134 a, 134 c, 134 e, 134 g, 134 i of the firstmagnetic platter 48. More succinctly, the soft-magnet blocks overlayingeach other are of the same polarity. This is an “aligned” position wherethe pedal 14 is in a magnetically active state, and the pedal 14 willexert a significant external magnetic force. Specifically, byoverlapping soft-magnet blocks of the same polarity the magnetic fluxlines are incomplete and open, which allows the magnetic force to extendbeyond the second magnetic platter 52. Since the cleat 12 is implementedto rotate the second magnetic platter 52, the pedal 14 will be switchedfrom the first position (the inactive state) to the second position (theactive state) while the cleat 12 is adjacent the second magnetic platter52. As a result, the magnetic force that is generated in the activestate will be imparted on the cleat 12, which is formed of a ferrousmetal, and secure the cleat 12 to the second magnetic platter 52 and thepedal 14. A contemplated range of force generated in the active state is60-120 pound-force (lbf). The magnitude of the force is dictated by thesize and thickness of the permanent magnet plates 124. As such, the sizeand thickness of the permanent magnet plates 124 utilized can be varieddepending on desired implementation, e.g., the pedal 14 can bemanufactured in low, medium, and high force variations each with varyingsize and thickness permanent magnet plates 124.

FIG. 11A is a perspective view of the cleat 12 connected with the pedal14 in the first position, e.g., in an inactive state. FIG. 12A is aperspective view of the cleat 12 connected with the pedal 14 in thesecond position, e.g., in an active state. The cleat 12 is showndetached from the shoe 36 for ease of illustration and to show theposition of the cleat 12 on the pedal 14, however, it should beunderstood that the cleat 12 would generally be utilized attached to theshoe 36. When the pedal is in the first position and inactive, the usercan place their foot, including shoe 36 with attached cleat 12, on thepedal 14 and align the keyed recess 24 of the cleat 12 with the keyedprotrusion 148 of the second magnetic platter 52. The chamfered edge ofthe platter retention ring 58 can assist with this alignment.Additionally, the keyed protrusion 148 can have a height greater thanthe platter retention ring 58 so that it extends beyond the platterretention ring 58 creating an edge for a user to locate with the cleat12, which can assist with connecting the cleat 12 to the pedal 14.

Once the keyed recess 24 is aligned with the keyed protrusion 148, theuser can press downward to seat the keyed protrusion 148 within thekeyed recess 24. At this point, the user's foot will be angled withrespect to the pedal 14 and a typical pedaling position. Once the keyedprotrusion 148 is seated within the keyed recess 24, the user can rotatethe second magnetic platter 52 into the second position. This is done bythe user rotating their foot in a first direction, and therefore shoe 36and attached cleat 12, to cause the cleat 12 to rotate the secondmagnetic platter 52. The second magnetic platter 52 can be rotated up toangle α, at which point the blocks 150 of the second magnetic platter 52will contact the stops 164 of the platter retention ring 58 and preventthe second magnetic platter 52 from being rotated any further. Thisplaces the second magnetic platter 52 in the second position, e.g., anactive state, causing the cleat 12 to be magnetically secured to thesecond magnetic platter 52. The user can then pedal the bicycle in atypical fashion and their shoe 36 will be secured to the pedal 14through the magnetic engagement of the cleat 12 with the second magneticplatter 52. To release their shoe 36, the user twists their foot in asecond direction opposite the first direction, which causes the cleat 12to rotate the second magnetic platter 52 back to the first positionwhere it is magnetically inactive. In the first position, as discussedabove, minimal magnetic force is exerted from the pedal 14 on the cleat12, allowing the user can pull the cleat 12 from engagement with thesecond magnetic platter 52. The above described functionality andoperation holds true for both right and left shoes.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing the pedals 14 attached to abicycle 170. As discussed above, the bicycle 170 includes a crankset 172having crank arms 174. A pedal 14 can be connected to each of the crankarms 174 through a threaded engagement. Particularly, the threaded outerextension 106 (see FIG. 5 ) of the spindle 96 of the pedal 14 canthreadedly engage the crank arms 174. The threaded outer extension 106can be further tightened and secured to the crank arms 174 by a wrenchor other tool turning the head 108 of the spindle 96.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the pedal14 in the form of a binding 176 secured to a pair of skis 178. Thebinding 176 is similar in construction to the pedal 14, but without thestem 66 and spindle assembly 60. The binding 176 functions in the samefashion as the pedal 14, which need not be repeated. Thus, it should beunderstood that the above-description provided in connection with thepedal 14 holds true for the binding 176. The cleat 16 could be connectedto the bottom of ski boots in place of cycling shoes 36 to allow a userto secure their ski boots to the skis 178. The binding 176 couldalternatively be secured to other transportation apparatuses such assnowboards and water-skis, and exercise devices such as stationarybicycles.

It is also contemplated by the present disclosure for the pedal 14,binding 176, and cleat 16 to include a microprocessor and one or moresensors, and be Internet-of-Things (IOT) connected. Particularly, themicroprocessor can be in wireless communication with a user's smartphoneor smartwatch and relay parameters sensed by the one or more sensorsthereto. The smartphone or smartwatch can then transfer this informationto the Internet where it can be accessed by the user from variousdevices and locations. The parameters sensed by the one or more sensorscan include force, rotation, speed, etc., and can be used to calculatevarious data, e.g., efficiency. This functionality allows a user totrack their performance.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a magneticengagement mechanism 210 of the present disclosure having a modifiedcleat 212 and a modified pedal 214. The modified pedal 214 can besubstantially similar in construction to the pedal 14 shown in FIG. 1 ,the details and components of which need not be repeated. It should beunderstood that the modified pedal 214 includes a number of the samecomponents as the pedal 14 shown in FIGS. 1 and 5 , and like componentnumbers are used for like components. The modified pedal 214 differsfrom the pedal 14 shown in FIG. 1 at least in that the annular sidewall66 of the platter holder 62 does not include a plurality of abutments78, and the modified pedal 200 does not include a platter retention ring58. Instead, the annular sidewall 66 of the platter holder 62 terminatesat an upper surface 216 that is substantially planar with the secondmagnetic platter 52. Additionally, the modified pedal 214 includes abumper guide 218 in place of the platter retention ring 58. The bumperguide 218 can include a body 220 defining a plurality of stops 222separated by a gap 224. The body 220 can also include a plurality ofholes 226 (threaded or unthreaded) extending therethrough whichfacilitate mounting the bumper guide 218 to the platter holder 62. Thebumper guide 218 can be secured to the platter holder 62 by a pluralityof screws 228 that can extend through the holes 226 and threadedlyengage a plurality of threaded holes 230 that extend through the uppersurface 216 of the platter holder 62. The platter holder 62 can includefour holes which allow the bumper guide 218 to be selectively mounted onopposite sides of the pedal 214, e.g., depending on if the pedal 214 isgoing to be placed on the right or left side of a bicycle.

The bumper guide 218 functions in a similar fashion to the platterretention ring 58 in that when it is secured to the platter holder 62 itlocks the second magnetic platter 52, the bushing 50, and the firstmagnetic platter 48 within the platter holder 62 so that they areaxially constrained, but permits the second magnetic platter 52 torotate with respect to the first magnetic platter 48 when engaged by thecleat 12. Additionally, the bumper guide 218 acts as a front bumper wallthat will contact the cleat 12, 212 and prevent a user's foot fromsliding forward off of the pedal 214 when they are attempting to engagethe cleat 12, 212 with the pedal 214.

In contrast to the platter retention ring 58, the bumper guide 218 spansonly a portion of the circumference of the platter holder 62 instead ofthe entirety. For example, the bumper guide 218 can extend aboutone-quarter (¼) of the circumference of the platter holder 62, whileleaving three-quarters (¾) of the circumference of the platter holder 62open. This configuration assists with ease of insertion of the cleat 12,212 as it allows a user to slide the cleat 12, 212 into the properposition and into engagement with the modified pedal 214, as opposed tohaving to inset the cleat 12, 212 into the platter retention ring 58.

Additionally, when the bumper guide 218 is secured to the platter holder62, a block 150 of the second magnetic platter 52 is positioned withinthe gap 224 so that when the second magnetic platter 52 is rotated theblock 150 rides within the gaps 224. Continued rotation of the secondmagnetic platter 52 results in the block 150 contacting the stops 222,which prevent the second magnetic platter 52 from further rotation.Accordingly, the stops 222 set the angular rotation of the secondmagnetic platter 52, and are therefore sized and spaced so that thesecond magnetic platter 52 can only be rotated by angle α, e.g., theangle that the permanent magnet plates 124 are from adjacent permanentmagnet plates 124 as discussed in connection with FIGS. 8 and 9 . Anyattempt to rotate the second magnetic platter 52 further is prevented bythe stops 222 engaging the block 150. Therefore, the stops 222 can bepositioned to only allow 36° of rotation (e.g., for 10 plates), 30° ofrotation (e.g., for 12 plates), 20° of rotation (e.g., for 18 plates),etc., depending on the number of permanent magnet plates 124. Thisconfiguration allows the second magnetic platter 52 to be rotatedbetween a first position (e.g., an unaligned magnetically inactiveposition) and a second position (e.g., an aligned magnetically activeposition). In a preferred embodiment, the first magnetic platter 48 andthe second magnetic platter 52 each include eighteen (18) permanentmagnet plates 124, which require a preferred rotational angle of 20° foractivation and deactivation.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the magnetic engagement mechanism 214including a catch plate 232 of the present disclosure connected to themodified pedal 214. The catch plate 232 includes a curved body 234defining an inner arcuate edge 236. The catch plate 232 can be securedto the bumper guide 218 or the platter retention ring 58 by screws 228,which extend through the curved body 234. Alternatively, the catch plate232 can be integral with the bumper guide 218 or the platter retentionring 58. It should be understood that the catch plate 232 can be usedwith the pedal 14 shown in FIG. 1 or the modified pedal 214 shown inFIG. 14 . The catch plate 232 functions to guide and align the cleat 12,212 with the keyed protrusion 148 of the second magnetic platter 52during insertion. That is, when a user attempts to engage the pedal 14,214 with the cleat 12, 212, they can slide the cleat 12, 212 intoengagement with the inner arcuate edge 236, which places the cleat 12,212 directly above the keyed protrusion 148 of the second magneticplatter 52. The user can then rotate the cleat 12, 212 within the innerarcuate edge 236 until the cleat 12, 212 is aligned with the keyedprotrusion 148, push downward to mate the keyed protrusion 148 with thecleat 12, 212, and then rotate the cleat 12, 212 to activate themagnetic circuit and secure the cleat 12, 212 to the pedal 14, 214.

FIG. 16 is a side view of the modified pedal 214 showing the modifiedcleat 212 in greater detail. The modified cleat 212 can be similar inconstruction to the cleat 12 shown in, for example, FIGS. 1 and 2 , andincludes the keyed recess 24 and keyed perimeter 26 shown in FIG. 2 .However, the modified cleat 212 includes a slanted top surface 238instead of a flat top surface 18 (see FIG. 1 ). The slanted top surface238 can extend from a wider rear portion 240 to thinner front portion242 of the modified cleat 212. When the cleat 212 is attached to a shoe36 the wider rear portion 240 will extend below the thinner frontportion 242 such that when a user attempts to engage the modified cleat212 with the keyed protrusion 148 of the pedal 14, 214 the underside ofthe modified cleat 212 will contact the keyed protrusion 148 at anangle. This configuration exposes the keyed perimeter 26 of the modifiedcleat's keyed recess 24, allowing the keyed perimeter 26 to act as a“catch” on the keyed protrusion 148. Thus, the modified pedal 214 allowsfor a user to more easily engage the keyed protrusion 148 with the keyedrecess 24.

The modified pedal 214 can also include a spring-loaded screw 243 thatextends through the bumper guide 218 (see FIGS. 14 and 16 ). Thespring-loaded screw 243 can be tightened by a user to cause it to beinserted through the bumper guide 218 and extend further toward thecleat 12, 212. Further insertion of the spring-loaded screw 243 cancause it place pressure on the cleat 12, 212 which can prevent prematuredeactivation of the magnetic circuit, e.g., release of the cleat 12, 212from the pedal 214. It should be understood that the spring-loaded screw243 can be utilized for both the modified pedal 214 as well as the pedal14 shown in FIGS. 1 and 5 .

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the modified pedal 214 showing theinclusion of a plurality of ball bearings 244. Specifically, theplurality of ball bearings 244 are placed in the annular recess 132 ofthe first magnetic platter 48 and replace the annular platter bushing 50discussed in connection with FIGS. 5, 8, and 9 . The plurality of ballbearings 244 are positioned between the first magnetic platter 48 andthe second magnetic platter 52, and space the first and second magneticplatters 48, 52 apart with the second magnetic platter 52 riding on theball bearings 244. The ball bearings 244 reduce friction due to rotationof the second magnetic platter 52 and smooth the rotation of the secondmagnetic platter 52.

Some embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a pedal for abicycle, comprising: a body; a spindle assembly rotatably secured to thebody and configured to be connected to said bicycle; a first magneticplatter positioned and non-rotatably secured within the body, the firstmagnetic platter comprising: at least two blocks, and at least onepermanent magnet plate having a magnetic north face and a magnetic southface, the at least one permanent magnet plate positioned between the atleast two blocks with a first of the at least two blocks adjacent themagnetic north face and a second of the at least two blocks adjacent themagnetic south face, the at least one permanent magnet plate magnetizingthe first of the at least two blocks with a magnetic north polarity andthe second of the at least two blocks with a magnetic south polarity;and a second magnetic platter positioned and rotatably secured withinthe body overlaying the first magnetic platter, the second magneticplatter comprising: at least two blocks, at least one permanent magnetplate having a magnetic north face and a magnetic south face, the atleast one permanent magnet plate positioned between the at least twoblocks with a first of the at least two blocks adjacent the magneticnorth face and a second of the at least two blocks adjacent the magneticsouth face, the at least one permanent magnet plate magnetizing thefirst of the at least two blocks with a magnetic north polarity and thesecond of the at least two sections with a magnetic south polarity, anda keyed protrusion configured to be engaged by a ferrous metal cleat,wherein the second magnetic platter is rotatable by said ferrous metalcleat between a first position where the first of the at least twoblocks of the second magnetic platter overlays the second of the atleast two blocks of the first magnetic platter and the second of the atleast two blocks of the second magnetic platter overlays the first ofthe at least two blocks of the first magnetic platter, and a secondposition where the first of the at least two blocks of the secondmagnetic platter overlays the first of the at least two blocks of thefirst magnetic platter and the second of the at least two blocks of thesecond magnetic platter overlays the second of the at least two blocksof the first magnetic platter, and wherein when the second magneticplatter is in the first position the pedal is in a magnetically inactivestate and said cleat is not magnetically secured to the second magneticplatter, and when the second magnetic platter is in the second positionthe pedal is in a magnetically active state and said cleat ismagnetically secured to the second magnetic platter.

Some embodiments of the present disclosure are further directed to apedal for a bicycle, comprising: a body; a spindle assembly rotatablysecured to the body and configured to be connected to said bicycle; afirst magnetic platter positioned and non-rotatably secured within thebody, the first magnetic platter comprising: an even number of permanentmagnet plates each having a magnetic north face and a magnetic southface, and a plurality of blocks with at least one block of the pluralityof blocks positioned between each adjacent pair of permanent magnetplates, the permanent magnet plates magnetizing each of the plurality ofblocks with either a magnetic north polarity or a magnetic southpolarity such that adjacent blocks are of opposite magnetic polarities;and a second magnetic platter positioned and rotatably secured withinthe body overlaying the first magnetic platter, the second magneticplatter comprising: an even number of permanent magnet plates eachhaving a magnetic north face and a magnetic south face, and a pluralityof blocks with at least one block of the plurality of blocks positionedbetween each adjacent pair of permanent magnet plates, the permanentmagnet plates magnetizing each of the plurality of blocks with either amagnetic north polarity or a magnetic south polarity such that adjacentblocks are of opposite magnetic polarities, and a keyed protrusionconfigured to be engaged by a ferrous metal cleat, wherein the secondmagnetic platter is rotatable by said ferrous metal cleat between afirst position where the magnetic south polarity blocks of the secondmagnetic platter overlay the magnetic north polarity blocks of the firstmagnetic platter and the magnetic north polarity blocks of the secondmagnetic platter overlay the magnetic south polarity blocks of the firstmagnetic platter, and a second position where the magnetic southpolarity blocks of the second magnetic platter overlay the magneticsouth polarity blocks of the first magnetic platter and the magneticnorth polarity blocks of the second magnetic platter overlay themagnetic north polarity blocks of the first magnetic platter, andwherein when the second magnetic platter is in the first position thepedal is in a magnetically inactive state and said cleat is notmagnetically secured to the second magnetic platter, and when the secondmagnetic platter is in the second position the pedal is in amagnetically active state and said cleat is magnetically secured to thesecond magnetic platter.

Some embodiments of the present disclosure are further directed to amagnetic engagement mechanism for a transportation apparatus,comprising: a body; a first magnetic platter positioned andnon-rotatably secured within the body, the first magnetic plattercomprising: an even number of permanent magnet plates each having amagnetic north face and a magnetic south face, and a plurality of blockswith at least one block of the plurality of blocks positioned betweeneach adjacent pair of permanent magnet plates, the permanent magnetplates magnetizing each of the plurality of blocks with either amagnetic north polarity or a magnetic south polarity such that adjacentblocks are of opposite magnetic polarities; and a second magneticplatter positioned and rotatably secured within the body overlaying thefirst magnetic platter, the second magnetic platter comprising: an evennumber of permanent magnet plates each having a magnetic north face anda magnetic south face, and a plurality of blocks with at least one blockof the plurality of blocks positioned between each adjacent pair ofpermanent magnet plates, the permanent magnet plates magnetizing each ofthe plurality of blocks with either a magnetic north polarity or amagnetic south polarity such that adjacent blocks are of oppositemagnetic polarities, and a keyed protrusion configured to be engaged bya ferrous metal cleat, wherein the second magnetic platter is rotatableby said ferrous metal cleat between a first position where the magneticsouth polarity blocks of the second magnetic platter overlay themagnetic north polarity blocks of the first magnetic platter and themagnetic north polarity blocks of the second magnetic platter overlaythe magnetic south polarity blocks of the first magnetic platter, and asecond position where the magnetic south polarity blocks of the secondmagnetic platter overlay the magnetic south polarity blocks of the firstmagnetic platter and the magnetic north polarity blocks of the secondmagnetic platter overlay the magnetic north polarity blocks of the firstmagnetic platter, and wherein when the second magnetic platter is in thefirst position the magnetic engagement mechanism is in a magneticallyinactive state and said cleat is not magnetically secured to the secondmagnetic platter, and when the second magnetic platter is in the secondposition the magnetic engagement mechanism is in a magnetically activestate and said cleat is magnetically secured to the second magneticplatter.

Having thus described the system and method in detail, it is to beunderstood that the foregoing description is not intended to limit thespirit or scope thereof. It will be understood that the embodiments ofthe present disclosure described herein are merely exemplary and that aperson skilled in the art may make any variations and modificationwithout departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. All suchvariations and modifications, including those discussed above, areintended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. A pedal for a bicycle, comprising: a body; ameans for securing the pedal to the bicycle; a first magnetic platterheld by the body, the first magnetic platter including a first pluralityof magnetizable blocks and at least one first permanent magnet platemagnetizing one or more of the first plurality of blocks with either amagnetic north polarity or a magnetic south polarity; and a secondmagnetic platter movable with respect to the first magnetic platter, thesecond magnetic platter including a second plurality of magnetizableblocks and at least one second permanent magnet plate magnetizing one ormore of the second plurality of blocks with either a magnetic northpolarity or a magnetic south polarity, wherein the second magneticplatter is movable with respect to the first magnetic platter by a cleatbetween (a) a first position wherein the pedal is in a magneticallyinactive state and the cleat is not magnetically secured to the pedal,and (b) a second position wherein the pedal is in a magnetically activestate and the cleat is magnetically secured to the pedal.
 2. The pedalof claim 1, wherein the at least one first permanent magnet platemagnetizes a first block of the first plurality of blocks with amagnetic north polarity and a second block of the first plurality ofblocks with a magnetic south polarity, and the at least one secondpermanent magnet plate magnetizes a first block of the second pluralityof blocks with a magnetic north polarity and a second block of thesecond plurality of blocks with a magnetic south polarity.
 3. The pedalof claim 2, wherein when in the first position the first block of thefirst plurality of magnetizable blocks having a magnetic north polarityoverlays the second block of the second plurality of magnetizable blockshaving a magnetic south polarity and the second block of the firstplurality of magnetizable blocks having a magnetic south polarityoverlays the first block of the second plurality of magnetizable blockshaving a magnetic north polarity, and wherein when in the secondposition the first block of the first plurality of magnetizable blockshaving a magnetic north polarity overlays the first block of the secondplurality of magnetizable blocks having a magnetic north polarity andthe second block of the first plurality of magnetizable blocks having amagnetic south polarity overlays the second block of the secondplurality of magnetizable blocks having a magnetic south polarity. 4.The pedal of claim 1, wherein the second magnetic platter is movablewith respect to the first magnetic platter by rotation.
 5. The pedal ofclaim 1, wherein the first plurality of magnetizable blocks areangularly spaced and the second plurality of magnetizable blocks areangularly spaced.
 6. The pedal of claim 1, wherein the second magneticplatter includes a keyed protrusion configured to be engaged by thecleat.
 7. The pedal of claim 1, comprising a first plurality of firstpermanent magnet plates and a second plurality of second permanentmagnet plates.
 8. The pedal of claim 7, wherein the first plurality offirst permanent magnet plates are angularly spaced, and the secondplurality of second permanent magnet plates are angularly spaced.
 9. Thepedal of claim 1, wherein the first magnetic platter is non-rotatablysecured within the body.
 10. A pedal kit for use with a bicycle,comprising: a pedal securable to the bicycle, the pedal including: abody; a means for securing the pedal to the bicycle; a first magneticplatter held by the body, the first magnetic platter including a firstplurality of magnetizable blocks and at least one first permanent magnetplate magnetizing one or more of the first plurality of blocks witheither a magnetic north polarity or a magnetic south polarity; and asecond magnetic platter movable with respect to the first magneticplatter, the second magnetic platter including a second plurality ofmagnetizable blocks and at least one second permanent magnet platemagnetizing one or more of the second plurality of blocks with either amagnetic north polarity or a magnetic south polarity; and a means forsecuring a shoe to the pedal, the means for securing a shoe to the pedalbeing connectable to a shoe, wherein the second magnetic platter ismovable with respect to the first magnetic platter by the means forsecuring a shoe to the pedal between (a) a first position wherein thepedal is in a magnetically inactive state and the means for securing ashoe to the pedal is not magnetically secured to the pedal, and (b) asecond position wherein the pedal is in a magnetically active state andthe means for securing a shoe to the pedal is magnetically secured tothe pedal.
 11. The pedal kit of claim 10, wherein the means for securinga shoe to the pedal is at least partially formed of a ferromagneticmaterial.
 12. The pedal kit of claim 10, wherein the at least one firstpermanent magnet plate magnetizes a first block of the first pluralityof blocks with a magnetic north polarity and a second block of the firstplurality of blocks with a magnetic south polarity, and the at least onesecond permanent magnet plate magnetizes a first block of the secondplurality of blocks with a magnetic north polarity and a second block ofthe second plurality of blocks with a magnetic south polarity.
 13. Thepedal kit of claim 12, wherein when in the first position the firstblock of the first plurality of magnetizable blocks having a magneticnorth polarity overlays the second block of the second plurality ofmagnetizable blocks having a magnetic south polarity and the secondblock of the first plurality of magnetizable blocks having a magneticsouth polarity overlays the first block of the second plurality ofmagnetizable blocks having a magnetic north polarity, and wherein whenin the second position the first block of the first plurality ofmagnetizable blocks having a magnetic north polarity overlays the firstblock of the second plurality of magnetizable blocks having a magneticnorth polarity and the second block of the first plurality ofmagnetizable blocks having a magnetic south polarity overlays the secondblock of the second plurality of magnetizable blocks having a magneticsouth polarity.
 14. The pedal kit of claim 10, wherein the secondmagnetic platter is movable with respect to the first magnetic platterby rotation.
 15. The pedal kit of claim 10, wherein the first pluralityof magnetizable blocks are angularly spaced and the second plurality ofmagnetizable blocks are angularly spaced.
 16. The pedal kit of claim 10,wherein the second magnetic platter includes a keyed protrusionconfigured to be engaged by the means for securing a shoe to the pedal.17. The pedal kit of claim 10, comprising a first plurality of firstpermanent magnet plates and a second plurality of second permanentmagnet plates.
 18. The pedal kit of claim 17, wherein the firstplurality of first permanent magnet plates are angularly spaced, and thesecond plurality of second permanent magnet plates are angularly spaced.19. The pedal kit of claim 10, wherein the first magnetic platter isnon-rotatably secured within the body.